3rd gen buyer guide

[MSU2000]

I browsed this thread for common problem on 3rd gen. Mostly I found engine mount problem related to VCM, costly Depax, power steering pump, and few CEL issues. We have 02 EX and looking to upgrade to 07 & up. For me the simpler the Van the easier for me to troubleshoot since I DIY my cars. What 3rd gen don't have VCM? Is it true that all LX model have no VCM? So far VCM issue is the one that I'm nervous about.

Thanks

[tC_demon]

Why would you be nervous about the VCM? Thats something ECU controls. PAX system is on all 2007 Touring models, and some 2008 Touring's, and 2009-2010 it was no longer available. I would go with a EX-L or Touring. If you want a less problematic van then I would go with a 2010 Touring, just because its that last year of the 3rd gen, and most of the kinks were solve.

[MSU2000]

Why would you be nervous about the VCM? Thats something ECU controls. PAX system is on all 2007 Touring models, and some 2008 Touring's, and 2009-2010 it was no longer available. I would go with a EX-L or Touring. If you want a less problematic van then I would go with a 2010 Touring, just because its that last year of the 3rd gen, and most of the kinks were solve.

Yes, but the numerous rear engine mount failures due to vibration when the VCM kicks in is what makes me nervous. The DIY work is ok but those engine mounts are spendy.

A 2010 might be a stretch for us. Our budget is $20K max.

Thanks

[tC_demon]

I see your point! I can suggest to stay on top of the spark plugs, I currently have 42K on my ODY and starting to feel the vibration a little bit more than normal, I plan to change them at 50K. I personally like the 07 model because am not to fond of the front grill on the 2008+. Your being smart about staying away from the 2005 and 2006 the transmission problems blows! lol...If you get a 2007 that chances are it might be depax already. Am starting to see more and more depax ODY's!

[MSU2000]

Do you know that the LX models have no VCM?
Thanks

[GeoOdyZantac]

Do you know that the LX models have no VCM?
Thanks

Both the LX and EX models in the 3rd Generation Odys have the "VCM-Free" engine. I prefer the EX as it has a few more options on it than the bare-bones LX. Neither had PAX tires. But good luck finding either one in the used car market - most of the ones available from 2007 on you will find will be either Tourings or EX-Ls with, of course, VCM engines.

[OdyFresh]

I see your point! I can suggest to stay on top of the spark plugs, I currently have 42K on my ODY and starting to feel the vibration a little bit more than normal, I plan to change them at 50K. I personally like the 07 model because am not to fond of the front grill on the 2008+. Your being smart about staying away from the 2005 and 2006 the transmission problems blows! lol...If you get a 2007 that chances are it might be depax already. Am starting to see more and more depax ODY's!

Accordind to carcomplaints.com the 2007 Odyssey has more steering, brake and transmission problems reported than the 2005 model. The 2005 really only having more problems with the A/C. Whether its the reality of the actual truth or not, not sure, but that's the info they have. The trans on the '07 though is probably more related to the fact that they dropped the ridgeline trans in the Osyssey for the first time and then webt along working out the kinks in '08 and '09. At the price of what some '09's and '10's go for, Id rather wait 8-10 months and get a used '11.

[MSU2000]

Both the LX and EX models in the 3rd Generation Odys have the "VCM-Free" engine. I prefer the EX as it has a few more options on it than the bare-bones LX. Neither had PAX tires. But good luck finding either one in the used car market - most of the ones available from 2007 on you will find will be either Tourings or EX-Ls with, of course, VCM engines.

I found 2 LXs 3rd gen in my area with low miles. I actually prefer the bare bones ones since I do my DIY on both my car and wife's ( the Van). EX will do just fine as long as the price is right. You are right though I saw tons of EX-L and Touring but non EX. We're not in hurry and we'll keep looking. I was looking for Sienna also, but not familar with Toyota and it seems like a bit more expensive for the same van.

[MSU2000]

Accordind to carcomplaints.com the 2007 Odyssey has more steering, brake and transmission problems reported than the 2005 model. The 2005 really only having more problems with the A/C. Whether its the reality of the actual truth or not, not sure, but that's the info they have. The trans on the '07 though is probably more related to the fact that they dropped the ridgeline trans in the Osyssey for the first time and then webt along working out the kinks in '08 and '09. At the price of what some '09's and '10's go for, Id rather wait 8-10 months and get a used '11.

I found it odd that not a single complaint about VCM related issue on 07 at carcomplaints.com. The power steering, brakes and electrical are OK DIY work, but the tranny is another level. Tons of work and money.

Thanks for the lead to the website

[OdyFresh]

I have to admit when you read some of the comments on carcomplaints.com it's quite scary Lol Makes you wanna buy a bicycle and not buy any vehicle. IMHO I believe in reality that its really a lottery sometimes if you're gonna get a lemon or not. I know people who have vehicle like a 2005 armada and never had problems with all the things they say on that site as well as know people that can confirm. I know people with 285k miles on 2005 Odyssey and I know people who lost the transmission at 62k But there is alot more involved IMO because what the complaints dont talk about are people driving habits what they use the vehicle for and the maintmance done. I know there's people that have given the golden treatment and had the bad luck they go bas anyway as well as people who are abusively negligent to the border of extreme blissfullness and the thing is still running. It's all luck I guess, but at the price one pays it should be guaranteed and not a spin of the bottle.

[MSU2000]

Thanks for the word of wisdom there, very true

[tC_demon]

Accordind to carcomplaints.com the 2007 Odyssey has more steering, brake and transmission problems reported than the 2005 model. The 2005 really only having more problems with the A/C. Whether its the reality of the actual truth or not, not sure, but that's the info they have. The trans on the '07 though is probably more related to the fact that they dropped the ridgeline trans in the Osyssey for the first time and then webt along working out the kinks in '08 and '09. At the price of what some '09's and '10's go for, Id rather wait 8-10 months and get a used '11.

I just checked out the website you mention...I think you got your info incorrectly about the transmission on the 2007...The worst year is 2005 (25) then 2006 (19) and finally 2007 (14)...Looks like according to this website 2008 ODY is the sweet spot (taking inconsideration pricing).

[MSU2000]

So I guess is there any different between 07 tranny and 08 tranny?

[GeoOdyZantac]

So I guess is there any different between 07 tranny and 08 tranny?

Yes-one is in a 2007 Odyssey and the other in in a 2008 Odyssey! No, they are both the same exact transmission. Honda placed the transmission orginally designed for the Ridgeline truck in the Odyssey starting in 07. There may have been some initial problems with this new tranny in the 07s but from 08 on, it appears they worked out any bugs.

[MSU2000]

Yes-one is in a 2007 Odyssey and the other in in a 2008 Odyssey! No, they are both the same exact transmission. Honda placed the transmission orginally designed for the Ridgeline truck in the Odyssey starting in 07. There may have been some initial problems with this new tranny in the 07s but from 08 on, it appears they worked out any bugs.

I was curious about that after reading the carcimplaints.com issues for 07 tranny but almost none on 08 model granted that the sampling number is different between no data